FIREFIGHTERS checking out a possible fire ended up bumping into Isle of Wight rock royalty.

The incident on Sunday evening turned out to be a bonfire - manned by none other than Level 42 frontman Mark King and Bestival boss Rob da Bank.

Mark said: "We were at a friend's place off the Middle Road, near Calbourne, with family and friends. Everyone was having the best time, then these two men walked up with high vis vests and torches to ask if everything was all right. It was the funniest thing.

"It was great to meet them, they were really nice guys."

The firefighters snapped a photo and posted it on Facebook.

Crew manager Kev Garrett said: "What had been reported as a fire in the open turned out to be a bonfire which was well supervised and under control.

"It was a nice surprise to meet Mark King and Rob at the incident."

He said anyone planning a bonfire could notify the fire service on the Isle of Wight Council website, at http://bit.ly/2jutUwi